People purchase hot tubs for different reasons. For some, it’s about family fun. For others, it’s about relaxation and reducing stress. For others still, it’s to help with medical conditions. But there’s one thing everyone who buys a spa has in common – they didn’t make the purchase so they could spend lots of time taking care of the water.
Luckily, with the different water care systems available today it’s easier than ever to take care of a hot tub. Now all you have to do is decide what kind of water you want – saltwater, or freshwater with chlorine or bromine.
Freshwater
Freshwater spa care has never been simpler. Products like those offered by Hot Spring include everything you need to simply and easily care for your hot tub, plus simple troubleshooting guides to help you solve issues. Sanitizers, balancers, clarifiers, water conditioners and more make sure you always have sparkling clean, crystal clear water.
Many people prefer chlorine as a sanitizer because it’s cost effective, easy to use, familiar, and very good at killing any bacteria that may be in your spa water. Bromine is a cousin to chlorine without the odor you probably know so well. Bromine is very good at killing certain types of algae, and it works well within a wide range of pH levels.
Saltwater
Saltwater spas have become very popular, like the ACE salt water system from Hot Spring Spas. With fewer chemicals you get cleaner, fresher spa water that looks, feels and smells great, without the common side effects many hot tub users experience with chlorine- and bromine-treated water.
The ACE system creates Active Oxygen to breakdown bacteria and impurities in the water. Then the Active Oxygen pairs with the sodium chloride (salt) that’s been added to the water, creating the chlorine sanitizer that will keep your water healthy and bacteria-free. While it’s gentle on your skin, it’s not gentle to the bacteria that can otherwise thrive in the warm, wet spa environment.
Since the ACE system uses only a very small amount of bottled chlorine, it virtually eliminates the byproducts of traditional chlorine water care which typically cause those “chlorine” odors you’re familiar with. Plus, bottled chlorine – which with traditional water care systems is added to a hot tub weekly or more – contains stabilizing acids. When you add the chlorine to your spa, you’re also adding acid to your water. Some people react to this by developing dry skin, red eyes, irritation and discomfort.
ACE system users say the water feels silky soft, that they use their spa more because they don’t feel the need to immediately shower afterwards, and that they spend significantly less time caring for their spa water. And you know what that means – they get to spend more time enjoying it!
Whether you choose to invest in a freshwater or saltwater spa, one thing’s for sure: you’re going to love the relaxation, better sleep and other benefits you’ll get from your new hot tub.
